When New Smiles Heal: Recovering From a Full Mouth Reconstruction

You got a full smile reconstruction to fix your dental issues? That’s a smart move – the service combines many restorative options, so it often saves time and money. Just make sure to manage your recovery so you can enjoy the treatment’s full benefits. If you need help with that, your local Lisle dentist will gladly share some pointers with you. Here are three big things to expect when recovering from a full mouth reconstruction.

The Recovery Comes in Stages

A full mouth reconstruction is a unique dental service, so you’ll recover from it in stages. That means the healing process comes in fits and bursts.

Don’t forget, a full mouth reconstruction isn’t its own service. It’s just a set of many restorative options – dental implants, root canals, fillings, etc. – in a large bundle. That being the case, you’ll recover from each included treatment before moving to the next one. There won’t be a big “healing” on one side while the whole reconstruction is on another.

There are (Temporary) Side-Effects

Like any major dental work, a full mouth reconstruction comes with (short-lived) side effects. These signs and symptoms vary based on which services were included in your treatment plan. The most common ones you can expect include the following:

• Pain & General Discomfort
• Swelling and/or Inflammation of the Gums
• Bleeding Around the Treatment Site
• Stiffness in the Jaw’s Joints or Muscles
• Feelings of Sickness or Nausea

Again, these side effects are temporary and should fade after a few days. Please contact your dentist or oral surgeon if they don’t; you may need follow-up care.

Follow the Post-Op Instructions

To help you heal from the reconstruction, your oral surgeon will provide post-op instructions. Make sure to follow these rules closely – you’ll delay your recovery otherwise. For example, the instructions may tell you to:

• Use an ice pack for ten-minute periods to reduce swelling.
• Take prescribed (or suggested) over-the-counter pain medication.
• Eat a soft diet until your mouth has healed enough for you to chew.
• Reduce oral bleeding by placing a clean piece of gauze over the surgical site.

Recovering from a full mouth reconstruction may seem hard, but know that it’s worthwhile. You’ll enjoy the fruits of your treatment sooner than you think. With that in mind, keep up with the healing process!

About the Practice

Arbor Dental Care is based in Lisle, IL, and led by Drs. Frank and Jeanelle Marchese. Thanks to our strong commitment to family dentistry, we offer various dental services for patients of all ages. Whether you need preventive, cosmetic, or restorative treatments, our team will get the job done. That means you can also count on us for top-tier full-mouth reconstructions! For more details or to book a visit, please reach us on our website or by phone at (630)-969-2310.